JP2012101025A - Program, information storage medium, game device, and server system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a program, an information storage medium, a game device, a server system or the like, which achieve a ball catching operation high in virtual reality in a ball game or the like.SOLUTION: The game device includes: an operation information acquiring section for acquiring information on operation by a game player; a virtual camera control section for controlling a virtual camera based on the acquired operation information; a moving body calculation unit for performing calculation process of movement of a ball as an object of play; a determination section for determining success of catching a ball in case that, when a direction of a line of sight of the virtual camera changes according to operation information, conditions for acquiring the ball by the virtual camera changing a direction of a line of sight are satisfied and conditions for catching the ball are satisfied; and an image generation section for generating an image viewed by the virtual camera in an object space.

Description

  The present invention relates to a program, an information storage medium, a game device, a server system, and the like.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, game devices that can virtually play a ball game are known. Taking a baseball game as an example, a defensive player (or computer) operates a pitcher character to throw a ball. The attacking player (or computer) operates the batter character, hits the thrown ball, and the defensive player operates the fielder character to catch the hit ball, thereby playing the baseball game. have fun.

  However, in baseball games, for example, when the player is on the defensive side, most of the games generate images with a viewpoint set near the back net or near the home base, not the viewpoint of the defensive character. For this reason, it is difficult to give the player a virtual reality feeling as if playing a real baseball game, such as catching the ball hit by the batter and catching it with the eyes. Moreover, even if the ball hit by the batter is an infield goro or an outfield fly, the catching operation becomes the same operation, and the virtual reality of the player cannot be improved.

  In this regard, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a conventional technique for switching the camera angle so that the camera viewpoint is set behind the fielder when the hit ball is a fly.

  However, in this prior art, the camera angle is automatically switched by software processing without depending on the operation of the player. Whether or not the fly has been successfully caught is determined based on whether or not the fielder character has reached the ball drop point by the time when the ball falls to the ground. For this reason, it has not been possible to give the player an operation feeling with high virtual reality such as catching the fly with the line of sight toward the ball.

JP 2001-137554 A

  According to some aspects of the present invention, it is possible to provide a program, an information storage medium, a game device, a server system, and the like that can realize a catching operation with high virtual reality in a ball game or the like.

  One embodiment of the present invention includes an operation information acquisition unit that acquires operation information of a player, a virtual camera control unit that controls a virtual camera based on the acquired operation information, and a movement calculation of a ball to be played A moving body calculation unit that performs processing, and when the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera changes based on the operation information, a capture condition for capturing the ball by the virtual camera that changes the line-of-sight direction is satisfied, and the ball The game apparatus includes: a determination unit that determines that the ball has been successfully captured when the ball catching condition is satisfied; and an image generation unit that generates an image visible from the virtual camera in the object space. . The present invention also relates to a program that causes a computer to function as each of the above-described units, or a computer-readable information storage medium that stores the program.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, the virtual camera is controlled based on the operation information, and the movement calculation process for moving the ball that is the play object is performed. Then, the control of the virtual camera based on the operation information changes the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera, and when the capture condition for capturing the ball by the virtual camera is satisfied and the capture condition for the ball is satisfied, Is determined to be successful. In this way, for example, when the ball is caught in the field of view of the virtual camera, it can be determined that the ball has been successfully caught. It is possible to give the player a sense of operation such as catching a ball. Therefore, it is possible to realize a ball catching operation with a high virtual reality in a ball game or the like.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the determination unit sets a hit volume that follows the player character operated by the virtual camera or the player, and determines that the ball hits the set hit volume. In addition, it may be determined that the catching condition and the catching condition of the ball are satisfied.

  In this way, it is possible to determine whether the capture condition and the catch condition are satisfied by setting a hit volume that follows the virtual camera or the player character and determining whether the ball hits the hit volume. It becomes like this. Therefore, it is possible to determine the capturing condition and the catching condition with a simple determination process.

  In the aspect of the invention, the determination unit may variably control at least one of the shape, hit effective range, position, and direction of the hit volume.

  In this way, it is possible to variably control at least one of the shape of the hit volume, the hit effective range, the position, and the direction to determine the ball capture condition, the ball capture condition, and the like.

  In the aspect of the invention, the determination unit may change at least one of the shape of the hit volume, the hit effective range, the position, and the direction according to the trajectory of the ball.

  In this way, it is possible to change the shape of the hit volume, the hit effective range, the position and the direction according to the trajectory of the ball, and to determine the catching condition, the catching condition, etc. according to an appropriate judgment criterion. become.

  In the aspect of the invention, the determination unit may perform a process of deforming the hit volume or a process of changing the hit effective range according to a direction instructed by the player.

  In this way, a ball catching process such as fine play can be realized by performing a deformation process for extending the hit volume in the direction instructed by the player or a process for changing the hit effective range.

  In the aspect of the invention, the determination unit may change at least one of the shape, hit effective range, position, and direction of the hit volume according to the setting of the game condition.

  In this way, it is possible to reflect the game condition in the hit volume for determining the capture condition and the catch condition.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the determination unit captures the ball when the ball is in a capture determination range set corresponding to a visual field range of the virtual camera. It may be determined that the catching condition is satisfied, and when the catching condition of the ball is satisfied in a state where the capturing condition is satisfied, it may be determined that the catching of the ball is successful.

  In this way, by determining whether or not the ball is within the capture determination range set corresponding to the visual field range of the virtual camera, the capture condition of the ball is determined, and the ball is within the capture determination range. When the ball catching condition is satisfied while the ball is in, it can be determined that the ball has been successfully caught. Therefore, it is possible to give the player a feeling of operation such as actually catching the ball by eye.

  In the aspect of the invention, the determination unit may variably control the capture determination range.

  In this way, it is possible to variably control the capture determination range and determine capture conditions and the like.

  In the aspect of the invention, the determination unit may change the capture determination range according to a game condition setting.

  If it does in this way, it will become possible to reflect game conditions in the capture judgment range for judging capture conditions.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the determination unit sets a ball hit volume that follows the ball, and determines whether the catching condition of the ball is satisfied using the ball hit volume. May be.

  In this way, it is possible to determine the catching condition and the like using the ball hit volume set for the ball.

  In the aspect of the invention, the determination unit may be configured such that, when the ball moves in a first trajectory, the capturing condition is set when the visual line direction range of the virtual camera is the first visual line direction range. When it is determined that the ball is satisfied and the ball moves in a second trajectory different from the first trajectory, the visual direction range of the virtual camera is different from the first visual direction range. You may determine with the said capture conditions being satisfy | filled when it is the 2nd gaze direction range.

  In this way, when the ball moves in the first trajectory, it is determined that the capturing condition is satisfied when the line-of-sight direction range of the virtual camera is the first line-of-sight direction range, When the ball moves in the second trajectory, it can be determined that the capturing condition is satisfied when the line-of-sight direction range of the virtual camera is the second line-of-sight direction range. Accordingly, even when the trajectory of the ball changes, it is possible to determine whether or not the ball is captured by the virtual camera by determining the range of the sight line direction of the virtual camera. For example, the second trajectory is a trajectory higher than the first trajectory, and the second visual line direction range is a visual line direction range higher than the first visual line direction range. Alternatively, the second trajectory is a trajectory in which the direction of the trajectory (the direction of the trajectory in the lateral direction) is different from that of the first trajectory, and the second line-of-sight direction range is different from the first line-of-sight direction range. The direction of the line of sight (the direction of the line of sight in the horizontal direction) is different.

  In the aspect of the invention, the operation information acquisition unit acquires first operation information and second operation information input by the player as the operation information, and the virtual camera control unit acquires the first operation information. The line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera may be controlled based on the operation information, and the movement of the viewpoint position of the virtual camera or the movement of the player character may be controlled based on the second operation information.

  In this way, while controlling the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera based on the first operation information, for example, independent of the control of the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera based on the second operation information, The movement of the viewpoint position and the movement of the player character can be controlled. Then, it becomes possible to determine the capturing condition and the catching condition while changing the viewing direction of the virtual camera based on the first operation information.

  In the aspect of the invention, the operation information acquisition unit acquires motion detection information from a motion sensor as the first operation information, and acquires direction instruction information from a direction instruction unit as the second operation information. The virtual camera control unit controls the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera based on the motion detection information that is the first operation information, and based on the direction instruction information that is the second operation information. The movement of the viewpoint position of the virtual camera or the movement of the player character may be controlled.

  In this way, it becomes possible to control the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera based on the motion detection information from the motion sensor, and to control the movement of the viewpoint position of the virtual camera based on the direction instruction information from the direction indicating unit. Then, it is possible to determine the capturing condition and the catching condition while changing the viewing direction of the virtual camera based on the motion detection information. The first operation information may be direction instruction information, and the second operation information may be motion detection information. In this case, the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera is controlled based on the direction instruction information that is the first operation information, and the movement of the viewpoint position of the virtual camera or the player is based on the motion detection information that is the second operation information. The movement of the character is controlled.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the virtual camera control unit performs control to change the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera around the first coordinate axis based on the operation information, and performs a first operation orthogonal to the first coordinate axis. Around the coordinate axis of 2, the viewing direction of the virtual camera may be fixed.

  In this way, the visual line direction of the virtual camera changes around the first coordinate axis based on the operation information, while the visual line direction of the virtual camera is fixed around the second coordinate axis. Can be achieved.

  Moreover, in one aspect of the present invention, the moving body calculation unit may perform the ball-throwing process of the ball that has been caught when the ball has been successfully caught and a given ball-throwing condition is satisfied. .

  In this way, when the ball has been successfully captured, the captured ball can be sent to a pitching target or the like.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the moving body calculation unit performs a process of sending the ball that has been caught to a pitching target when the player has successfully caught the ball and the player has performed a pitching instruction operation. You may go.

  In this way, when the ball has been successfully caught, the ball that has been caught can be sent to the pitching target simply by performing a pitching instruction operation. Therefore, the pitching process can be realized with a simple operation.

  Also, in one aspect of the present invention, the moving body computing unit is caught when the ball is successfully caught and the player performs an operation of directing the visual line direction of the virtual camera toward the throwing target side. A process of sending the ball to the pitching target may be performed.

  In this way, when the ball has been successfully captured, it is possible to send the captured ball to the throwing target by performing an operation of directing the viewing direction of the virtual camera to the throwing target side. . Therefore, it is possible to realize a ball sending process with higher virtual reality.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the operation information acquisition unit acquires motion detection information from a motion sensor as the operation information, and the virtual camera control unit is configured to determine a line of sight of the virtual camera based on the motion detection information. Whether or not the capturing condition for capturing the ball by the virtual camera in which the line-of-sight direction changes is satisfied when the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera changes based on the motion detection information is controlled. May be determined.

  In this way, the virtual camera's gaze direction is controlled based on the motion detection information from the motion sensor, and the virtual camera whose gaze direction changes based on the motion detection information satisfies the ball capture condition. It will be possible to determine whether or not.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the motion sensor is a sensor provided in a portable game device, and the operation information acquisition unit uses the motion detection information obtained by moving the portable game device by the player. Acquired from the motion sensor, the virtual camera control unit controls the virtual camera so that a line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera changes according to a movement of the portable game device, and the determination unit When the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera changes according to the movement of the game device, it may be determined whether the capture condition for capturing the ball by the virtual camera whose line-of-sight direction changes is satisfied.

  In this way, when the player moves the portable game device, the movement is detected by the motion sensor, and the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera changes according to the movement of the portable game device. Thus, it becomes possible to determine whether or not the virtual camera whose line-of-sight direction changes in accordance with the movement of the portable game apparatus satisfies the ball capturing condition.

  In another aspect of the present invention, an operation information acquisition unit that acquires operation information of a player, a virtual camera control unit that controls a virtual camera based on the acquired operation information, and a ball to be played A moving body calculation unit that performs a movement calculation process; a determination unit that determines whether the ball has been successfully captured; and an image generation unit that generates an image that can be seen from the virtual camera in an object space. A hit volume that follows the player character operated by the virtual camera or the player and changes at least one of position, direction, and shape according to the trajectory of the ball is set, and the ball is set in the set hit volume. This is related to a game device that determines that the ball has been successfully caught when hit. The present invention also relates to a program that causes a computer to function as each of the above-described units, or a computer-readable information storage medium that stores the program.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the virtual camera is controlled based on the operation information, and the movement calculation process for moving the ball that is the play object is performed. In addition, a hit volume is set in which at least one of the position, direction, and shape of the virtual camera or the player character changes according to the trajectory of the ball. Then, when the ball hits the hit volume set in this way, it is determined that the ball has been successfully captured. Therefore, for example, it is possible to determine whether or not the ball has been successfully captured using a hit volume whose setting changes depending on the height of the trajectory of the ball. become.

  In another aspect of the present invention, an operation information acquisition unit that acquires operation information of a player, a virtual camera control unit that controls a virtual camera based on the acquired operation information, and a ball to be played A moving body calculation unit that performs a movement calculation process, a determination unit that determines whether the capture condition of the ball is satisfied, and an image generation unit that generates an image that can be seen from the virtual camera in an object space, and The information acquisition unit acquires motion detection information from a motion sensor as the operation information, the virtual camera control unit controls the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera based on the motion detection information, and the determination unit Based on the motion detection information, it is determined whether or not the capture condition for capturing the ball by the virtual camera that changes the line-of-sight direction is satisfied. Related to the over-time equipment. The present invention also relates to a program that causes a computer to function as each of the above-described units, or a computer-readable information storage medium that stores the program.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, control of the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera is performed based on the motion detection information from the motion sensor, and movement calculation processing for moving the ball that is the play target is performed. Therefore, based on the motion detection information from the motion sensor, the visual line direction of the virtual camera is changed. Thus, whether the virtual camera whose visual line direction changes based on the motion detection information satisfies the ball capture condition. Since the determination can be made, a catching operation with high virtual reality can be realized.

  In another aspect of the present invention, an operation information acquisition unit that acquires operation information of a player, a virtual camera control unit that controls a virtual camera based on the acquired operation information, and a ball to be played A moving object calculation unit that performs a movement calculation process, and when the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera changes based on the operation information, a capture condition for the virtual camera that changes the line-of-sight direction to capture the ball is satisfied, When the ball catching condition is satisfied, a determination unit that determines that the ball catching is successful, and image generation data for generating an image visible from the virtual camera in the object space are generated. The present invention relates to a server system including an image generation data generation unit.

  In another aspect of the present invention, an operation information acquisition unit that acquires operation information of a player, a virtual camera control unit that controls a virtual camera based on the acquired operation information, and a ball to be played A moving object calculation unit that performs movement calculation processing, a determination unit that determines whether or not the ball has been successfully captured, and an image that generates image generation data for generating an image that can be seen from the virtual camera in the object space A generation data generation unit, wherein the determination unit follows a player character operated by the virtual camera or the player, and at least one of a position, a direction, and a shape changes according to a trajectory of the ball And when the ball hits the set hit volume, the server determines that the ball has been successfully caught. Related to the system.

  In another aspect of the present invention, an operation information acquisition unit that acquires operation information of a player, a virtual camera control unit that controls a virtual camera based on the acquired operation information, and a ball to be played A moving body calculation unit that performs a movement calculation process, a determination unit that determines whether the capture condition of the ball is satisfied, and image generation data for generating an image that can be seen from the virtual camera in the object space are generated. An image generation data generation unit, the operation information acquisition unit acquires motion detection information from a motion sensor as the operation information, and the virtual camera control unit is configured to control the virtual camera based on the motion detection information. And the determination unit captures the ball by the virtual camera whose gaze direction changes based on the motion detection information. Said capture condition is related to the server system determines are met that.

The structural example of the game device of this embodiment. 2A and 2B are configuration examples of a portable game device to which the present embodiment is applied. FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are explanatory diagrams of the determination method of this embodiment. 4A and 4B are explanatory diagrams of the determination method of the present embodiment. FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B are examples of images generated by the present embodiment at the time of infield. The example of the image produced | generated by this embodiment at the time of pitching after catching infield Goro. FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B are examples of images generated by this embodiment during outfield fly. FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C are explanatory diagrams of a first determination method using a hit volume. FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B are explanatory diagrams of a first determination method using a hit volume. FIGS. 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams of a modification of the hit volume setting method. FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B are explanatory diagrams of a technique for deforming the hit volume in accordance with the player's instruction direction. FIGS. 12A and 12B are explanatory diagrams of a technique for changing the shape or the like of the hit volume in accordance with the setting of the game difficulty level. FIGS. 13A to 13C are explanatory diagrams of a second determination method using a supplemental determination range set corresponding to the visual field range of the virtual camera. 14A and 14B are explanatory diagrams of a technique for changing the supplementary determination range in accordance with the setting of the game difficulty level. FIG. 15A to FIG. 15C are explanatory diagrams of a method for controlling the movement of the viewpoint position of the virtual camera. FIGS. 16A to 16C are explanatory diagrams of a method for controlling the viewing direction of a virtual camera using a motion sensor. FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B are explanatory diagrams of the ball-sending process of the caught ball. 18A to 18C show application examples of the method of this embodiment to a ball game other than a baseball game. The flowchart explaining the detailed process of this embodiment. The flowchart explaining the detailed process of this embodiment. The structural example of the server system of this embodiment.

  Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described. In addition, this embodiment demonstrated below does not unduly limit the content of this invention described in the claim. In addition, all the configurations described in the present embodiment are not necessarily essential configuration requirements of the present invention.

1. Configuration FIG. 1 shows an example of a block diagram of a game apparatus (image generation system, game system) of the present embodiment. Note that the configuration of the game device of the present embodiment is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1, and various modifications such as omitting some of the components (each part) or adding other components are possible.

  The operation unit 160 is for a player to input operation data, and functions thereof are direction instruction keys, operation buttons, analog sticks, levers, various sensors (such as an angular velocity sensor and an acceleration sensor), a microphone, or a touch panel type. This can be realized with a display.

  The motion sensor of the operation unit 160 detects the movement of a device such as a game controller or a portable game device, and the operation motion of the player can be detected by detecting the movement of such a device. This motion sensor can be realized by various sensors such as an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor (gyro sensor), and an image sensor of a camera. The acceleration sensor detects each piece of acceleration information in three orthogonal directions. Specifically, when the coordinate axes orthogonal to each other are the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis, the first acceleration information along the X axis direction, the second acceleration information along the Y axis direction, and the Z axis direction The third acceleration information along is detected and output as sensor detection information. This acceleration sensor can be realized by, for example, a piezoresistive or capacitive sensor having a MEMS structure. The angular velocity sensor is a sensor that detects angular velocity information about a predetermined rotation axis. Specifically, the angular velocity sensor is a sensor that detects angular velocity information about three orthogonal axes, and detects angular velocity information about the X, Y, and Z axes. For example, if the rotation angle around the X axis is α, the rotation angle around the Y axis is β, and the rotation angle around the Z axis is γ, the angular velocities for these α, β, and γ are detected and output as sensor detection information. To do. This angular velocity sensor can be realized by, for example, a multi-axis angular velocity sensing gyroscope having a MEMS structure. When an image sensor (CCD, CMOS sensor, etc.) is used as a motion sensor, the movement of a device such as a game controller or a portable game device can be detected based on pixel movement information of a captured image captured by the image sensor. That's fine.

  The motion sensor may be built in the game device or may be prepared as an optional external part of the game device.

  The storage unit 170 serves as a work area for the processing unit 100, the communication unit 196, and the like, and its function can be realized by a RAM (DRAM, VRAM) or the like. Then, the game program and game data necessary for executing the game program are held in the storage unit 170.

  The information storage medium 180 (a computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, and the like, and functions as an optical disk (DVD, CD, etc.), HDD (hard disk drive), memory (ROM, etc.), etc. Can be realized. The processing unit 100 performs various processes of the present embodiment based on a program (data) stored in the information storage medium 180. That is, in the information storage medium 180, a program for causing a computer (an apparatus including an operation unit, a processing unit, a storage unit, and an output unit) to function as each unit of the present embodiment (a program for causing the computer to execute processing of each unit). Is memorized.

  The display unit 190 outputs an image generated according to the present embodiment, and its function can be realized by an LCD, an organic EL display, a CRT, a touch panel display, an HMD (head mounted display), or the like. The sound output unit 192 outputs the sound generated by the present embodiment, and its function can be realized by a speaker, headphones, or the like.

  The auxiliary storage device 194 (auxiliary memory, secondary memory) is a storage device used to supplement the capacity of the storage unit 170, and can be realized by a memory card such as an SD memory card or a multimedia card.

  The communication unit 196 communicates with the outside (for example, another game device, a server, or a host device) via a wired or wireless network, and functions as a communication ASIC or a communication processor. It can be realized by hardware or communication firmware.

  Note that a program (data) for causing a computer to function as each unit of the present embodiment is obtained from an information storage medium of a server (host device) via an information storage medium 180 (or storage unit 170, auxiliary storage) via a network and communication unit 196. May be distributed to the device 194). Use of an information storage medium by such a server (host device) can also be included in the scope of the present invention.

  The processing unit 100 (processor) performs game processing, image generation processing, sound generation processing, and the like based on operation data from the operation unit 160, a program, and the like. The processing unit 100 performs various processes using the storage unit 170 as a work area. The functions of the processing unit 100 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, GPU, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), and programs.

  The processing unit 100 includes an operation information acquisition unit 102, a game calculation unit 104, an object space setting unit 106, a virtual camera control unit 108, a moving body calculation unit 110, a determination unit 112, a difficulty level setting unit 114, an image generation unit 120, a sound A generation unit 130 is included. Various modifications may be made such as omitting some of these components or adding other components.

  The operation information acquisition unit 102 acquires operation information of the player. For example, when the player performs various operations using the operation unit 160, the operation information is acquired. When the player moves the game controller as the operation unit, the motion detection information from the motion sensor built in the game controller is acquired as the operation information. Alternatively, in the case where a motion sensor is built in the portable game device, when the player moves the portable game device, the motion sensor built in the portable game device detects the movement. Then, the operation information acquisition unit 102 acquires motion detection information from the motion sensor as operation information. The acquired operation information is temporarily stored in the storage unit 170.

  The game calculation unit 104 performs a game calculation process. Here, as a game calculation, a process for starting a game when a game start condition is satisfied, a process for advancing the game, a process for calculating a game result, or a process for ending a game when a game end condition is satisfied and so on.

  The object space setting unit 106 performs an object space setting process in which a plurality of objects are arranged. For example, various objects (polygon, free-form surface or sub) representing display objects such as characters (people, animals, robots, cars, ships, airplanes, etc.), balls, maps (terrain), buildings, courses (roads), trees, walls, etc. The object is configured to place and set objects (objects composed of primitive surfaces such as division surfaces) in the object space. In other words, the position and rotation angle of the object in the world coordinate system (synonymous with direction and direction) are determined, and the rotation angle (rotation angle around the X, Y, and Z axes) is determined at that position (X, Y, Z). Arrange objects. Specifically, the object data storage unit 172 of the storage unit 170 stores object data such as the position, rotation angle, moving speed, moving direction, etc. of the object (part object) in association with the object number. . The object space setting unit 106 performs a process of updating the object data for each frame, for example.

  The virtual camera control unit 108 performs control processing of a virtual camera (viewpoint, reference virtual camera) for generating an image that can be seen from a given (arbitrary) viewpoint in the object space. Specifically, processing for controlling the position (X, Y, Z) or rotation angle (rotation angle about the X, Y, Z axis) of the virtual camera (processing for controlling the viewpoint position, the line-of-sight direction or the angle of view) I do.

  The moving object calculation unit 110 performs an operation for moving a moving object such as a character or a ball. Also, a calculation for operating the moving object (moving object) is performed. That is, based on operation information input by the player through the operation unit 160, a program (movement / motion algorithm), various data (motion data), etc., a moving object (object, model object) is moved in the object space, Performs processing to move the moving body (motion, animation). Specifically, a simulation process for sequentially obtaining movement information (position, rotation angle, speed, or acceleration) and motion information (part object position or rotation angle) of a moving body for each frame (1/60 second). I do. A frame is a unit of time for performing a moving / movement process (simulation process) and an image generation process of a moving object.

  The determination unit 112 performs various determination processes. For example, processing for determining whether or not a ball capturing condition is satisfied, processing for determining whether or not the ball has been successfully captured, and the like are performed. Details of the determination unit 112 will be described later.

  The difficulty level setting unit 114 performs a game difficulty level (handy) setting process. For example, difficulty levels such as an elementary level, an intermediate level, and an advanced level are set. The difficulty level may be set based on information input by the player using an option screen or the like, or the computer may automatically set it according to a game situation such as a score or a game scene.

  The image generation unit 120 performs drawing processing based on the results of various processing (game processing and simulation processing) performed by the processing unit 100, thereby generating an image and outputting the image to the display unit 190. Specifically, geometric processing such as coordinate transformation (world coordinate transformation, camera coordinate transformation), clipping processing, perspective transformation, or light source processing is performed. Based on the processing result, drawing data (the position of the vertex of the primitive surface) Coordinates, texture coordinates, color data, normal vector, α value, etc.) are created. Based on the drawing data (primitive surface data), the object (one or a plurality of primitive surfaces) after perspective transformation (after geometry processing) is converted into image information in units of pixels such as a drawing buffer 178 (frame buffer, work buffer, etc.). Draw in a buffer that can be stored. Thereby, an image that can be seen from the virtual camera (given viewpoint) in the object space is generated. Note that the rendering process can be realized by a vertex shader process, a pixel shader process, or the like.

  Note that the image generation unit 120 may generate a so-called stereoscopic image. In this case, the left-eye virtual camera (first viewpoint virtual camera) and the right-eye virtual camera (second viewpoint virtual camera) are determined using the position of the reference virtual camera and the inter-camera distance. Set the placement. The image generation unit 120 then displays a left-eye image (first viewpoint image) seen from the left-eye virtual camera in the object space, and a right-eye image (second viewpoint image) seen from the right-eye virtual camera in the object space. ) Is generated. Then, using these left-eye image and right-eye image, stereoscopic vision may be realized by an eye separation spectacle method, a naked eye method using a lenticular, or the like.

  The sound generation unit 130 performs sound processing based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 100, generates game sounds such as BGM, sound effects, or sounds, and outputs the game sounds to the sound output unit 192.

  In this embodiment, the operation information acquisition unit 102 acquires operation information of the player. For example, operation information obtained by the player operating the operation unit 160 is acquired. Also, motion detection information (acceleration information, angular velocity information, etc.) from the motion sensor is acquired as operation information.

  The virtual camera control unit 108 controls the virtual camera based on the acquired operation information. For example, the visual line direction and viewpoint position of the virtual camera are controlled. Specifically, control is performed to change the viewing direction of the virtual camera or move the viewpoint position of the virtual camera according to the operation information of the player. Control of the viewing direction and viewpoint position of the virtual camera based on the operation information includes a case where the player character is moved according to the operation information and the viewing direction and viewpoint position of the virtual camera are controlled according to the movement of the player character.

  Note that the player character may be a character whose whole or a part is actually displayed in the game image, or may be a virtual character that is not displayed in the game image.

  The moving body calculation unit 110 performs a movement calculation process for a ball that is a play target. For example, when a ball is hit by a hit object such as a bat or a character part, a calculation process for obtaining the trajectory (movement trajectory) of the ball based on a given algorithm or table data is performed.

  The determination unit 112 performs a determination process as to whether or not a ball (catch in a broad sense) has been successfully captured (catch in a broad sense). For example, when the viewing direction of the virtual camera changes based on the operation information, the catching condition of the ball by the virtual camera that changes the viewing direction is satisfied, and when the catching condition of the ball is satisfied, the catching of the ball Is determined to be successful. For example, when the ball capturing condition and the catching condition are satisfied (when the ball is captured while satisfying the capturing condition), it is determined that the ball has been successfully captured. Then, the image generation unit 120 generates an image that can be seen from the virtual camera in the object space. For example, an image is generated from the viewpoint of the virtual camera whose line-of-sight direction changes based on the operation information, and when the catching is successful, an image representing the success of the catching is generated and displayed on the display unit 190.

  Here, the capture condition is a condition that the virtual camera whose line-of-sight direction changes according to the operation information captures the ball. When the virtual camera determines that the ball is in the capture state (the ball within the capture determination range). Is satisfied). The catching condition is a condition that is satisfied when it is determined that the ball has actually been caught by the player character. For example, a grab, a part such as a foot or a hand, or a trapped ball (such as a ball trap) When the ball touches the corresponding hit volume, it can be determined that the catching condition is satisfied.

  More specifically, the determination unit 112 sets a hit volume (hit box, hit area, hit range) that follows the virtual camera (or a player character operated by the player). When it is determined that the ball hits (contacts) the set hit volume, it is determined that the ball capturing condition and the ball capturing condition are satisfied. For example, when the line-of-sight direction or viewpoint position of the virtual camera changes based on the operation information, the position, direction, or shape of the hit volume is set so as to follow the change in the line-of-sight direction or line-of-sight position, and the ball hits the hit volume. If it is determined that the ball has been captured, it is determined that the ball capture condition and the ball capture condition are satisfied.

  For example, the determination unit 112 variably controls at least one of the shape of the hit volume, the hit effective range, the position, and the direction (the direction in which it faces). Specifically, at least one of the shape of the hit volume, the hit effective range, the position, and the direction is changed according to the trajectory of the ball. For example, depending on whether the trajectory of the ball is a low trajectory or a high trajectory, the shape of the hit volume, the hit effective range, the position, or the direction is changed. The hit valid range is the range where the hit check is valid. Even if the hit volume has the same shape, the hit check range with the ball can be controlled variably by setting the hit valid range differently. become able to.

  Further, the determination unit 112 performs a process of deforming the hit volume or a process of changing the hit effective range according to the direction instructed by the player at the time of catching the ball (catch timing, catching period). For example, a deformation process for extending the hit volume in the direction indicated by the player, a process for changing the hit effective range, and the like are performed. Alternatively, the determination unit 112 changes at least one of the shape of the hit volume, the hit effective range, the position, and the direction according to the game condition setting. Specifically, when the difficulty level of the game is set by the difficulty level setting unit 114, at least one of the shape of the hit volume, the hit effective range, the position, and the direction is changed according to the setting of the difficulty level of the game. Let For example, the shape of the hit volume, the hit effective range, the position, the direction, or the like is different depending on whether the game difficulty level is the first difficulty level (for example, beginner level) or the second difficulty level (for example, advanced level). The game condition for changing the shape of the hit volume or the like is not limited to the difficulty level of the game, and may be status information such as the number of items possessed by the player character (player), experience value, or physical strength value.

  The determination unit 112 determines that the capture condition for capturing the ball by the virtual camera is satisfied when the ball is within the capture determination range set corresponding to the visual field range of the virtual camera, and captures the ball. If the ball catching condition is satisfied in a state where the condition is satisfied, it may be determined that the ball catching is successful. For example, in a given period before the catching timing, the ball is in the catching judgment range corresponding to the visual field range of the virtual camera, and the catching condition is met while the catching condition of the ball by the virtual camera is satisfied. When is satisfied, it is determined that the catching is successful. The catching condition in this case can be realized, for example, by hit check processing using a player character or a hit volume set for the part. Further, the visual field range and the capture determination range may be a range such as an area, or may be an angle range specified by the line-of-sight direction and the angle of view. Further, the capture determination range may be the visual field range itself or a range included in the visual field range. The visual field range may be slightly wider than the strict visual field range defined by the viewing direction and the angle of view of the virtual camera.

  The determination unit 112 may variably control the capture determination range. Specifically, the capture determination range is changed in accordance with the setting of game conditions such as the difficulty level of the game. For example, the size, shape, or position of the capture determination range is different depending on whether the game difficulty level is the first difficulty level (for example, beginner level) or the second difficulty level (for example, advanced level).

  The determination unit 112 may set a ball hit volume that follows the ball, and may determine whether the ball catching condition is satisfied using the ball hit volume. For example, a relatively large ball hit volume that contains a ball is set. Then, a hit check between the ball hit volume and the position of the player character or virtual camera is performed. If it is determined that the hit has been made, it is determined that the catching condition is satisfied. It is also possible to determine the capture condition using the ball hit volume. Further, the shape of the ball hit volume or the hit effective range may be changed in accordance with the game conditions such as the height of the ball trajectory, the trajectory direction (the trajectory direction in the horizontal direction), and the game difficulty level. .

  In addition, when the ball moves in the first trajectory, the determination unit 112 satisfies the capture condition when the line-of-sight direction range (the range including the line-of-sight direction) of the virtual camera is the first line-of-sight direction range. It is determined that On the other hand, when the ball moves in a second trajectory different from the first trajectory (a trajectory higher than the first trajectory; a trajectory having a direction different from the first trajectory), the visual line range of the virtual camera is , A second gaze direction range (a gaze direction range higher than the first gaze direction range. A gaze direction range in which the gaze direction is different from the first gaze direction range). In this case, it is determined that the capturing condition is satisfied. For example, when the ball moves in a low trajectory, it is determined that the capturing condition is satisfied when the virtual camera is in the line-of-sight direction when viewing a place where the line-of-sight direction is low. On the other hand, when the ball moves in a high trajectory, it is determined that the capturing condition is satisfied when the visual line direction of the virtual camera is a visual line direction for viewing a place with a high visual line direction. Alternatively, when the ball moves in a leftward trajectory, it is determined that the capture condition is satisfied when the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera is the line-of-sight direction when viewing the left direction. On the other hand, when the ball moves in the right direction trajectory, it is determined that the capture condition is satisfied when the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera is the line-of-sight direction when viewing the right direction.

  The operation information acquisition unit 102 may acquire first operation information and second operation information input by the player as operation information. For example, motion detection information from a motion sensor is acquired as first operation information, and direction instruction information from a direction instruction unit (direction instruction key, analog tick) of the operation unit 160 is acquired as second operation information. The virtual camera control unit 108 controls the visual line direction of the virtual camera based on the first operation information, and controls the movement of the viewpoint position of the virtual camera or the movement of the player character based on the second operation information. . For example, the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera is controlled based on the motion detection information that is the first operation information, and the viewpoint position of the virtual camera or the player character is moved based on the direction instruction information that is the second operation information. To control. In this case, the control of the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera based on the first operation information controls the direction (line-of-sight direction) that the player character faces based on the first operation information, and the virtual camera follows the direction that the player character faces. This includes the case of controlling the viewing direction of the camera. Further, the movement of the viewpoint position of the virtual camera based on the second operation information is controlled by controlling the movement of the player character based on the second operation information and following the movement of the player character. Including the case of controlling movement. Conversely, the first operation information may be direction instruction information, and the second operation information may be motion detection information. In this case, the visual line direction of the virtual camera is controlled based on the direction instruction information, and the movement of the viewpoint position of the virtual camera or the movement of the player character is controlled based on the motion detection information.

  Further, the virtual camera control unit 108 performs control to change the viewing direction of the virtual camera around the first coordinate axis based on the operation information, and the viewing direction of the virtual camera around the second coordinate axis orthogonal to the first coordinate axis. May be fixed. In this way, the game operation of the player can be simplified as compared with a method that allows a change in the line-of-sight direction around all coordinate axes. The first coordinate axis is, for example, the X axis that is an axis along the horizontal direction, and the second coordinate axis is, for example, the Y axis that is an axis along the vertical direction.

  In addition, the moving object calculation unit 110 succeeds in catching a ball (moving object) and when a given throwing condition (sending condition in a broad sense) is satisfied, the throwing process of the caught ball I do. For example, it is determined whether or not the ball-sending condition is satisfied based on the operation information of the player, and when it is satisfied, the ball is sent in the direction specified by the operation information.

  For example, when the ball is successfully captured and the player performs a pitching instruction operation using the operation unit 160 or the like, the moving body computing unit 110 performs a process of feeding the captured ball to the pitching target. Here, the pitching instruction operation is realized, for example, by operating an operation member such as an operation button corresponding to the pitching instruction. The pitching target is, for example, a fielder who receives a pitch in a baseball game, or a player who receives a pitching pass or a goal in which a pitching shot is shot in a soccer game or American football. In a tennis game, it is a place where a ball thrown back by a racket flies.

  In addition, the moving object calculation unit 110 performs a process of sending the caught ball to the throwing target when the player has successfully caught the ball and the player performs an operation to turn the direction of the virtual camera's line of sight toward the throwing target. May be. For example, when a player who has succeeded in catching a game controller or a portable game device with a built-in motion sensor is directed to the throwing target side located on the left side, a process of throwing the ball to the left throwing target is performed. Do. On the other hand, when the game controller or the portable game device is operated to face the pitching target located on the right side, a process of pitching the ball to the pitching target on the right side is performed.

  When the operation information acquisition unit 102 acquires motion detection information from the motion sensor as operation information, the virtual camera control unit 108 controls the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera (player character) based on the motion detection information. To do. Then, the determination unit 112 determines whether a capture condition for capturing the ball by the virtual camera whose line-of-sight direction changes is satisfied when the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera changes based on the motion detection information. Specifically, the motion sensor is a sensor provided in the portable game device, and the operation information acquisition unit 102 acquires motion detection information obtained by the player moving the portable game device from the motion sensor. Then, the virtual camera control unit 108 controls the virtual camera so that the visual line direction of the virtual camera changes according to the movement of the portable game device. For example, when the player performs an operation of rolling the portable game device around the X axis that is an axis along the horizontal direction, the visual line direction of the virtual camera is changed in the vertical direction. When the portable game device is operated to roll around the Y axis that is an axis along the vertical direction, the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera is changed in the left-right direction. Then, the determination unit 112 determines whether a capture condition for capturing the ball by the virtual camera whose line-of-sight direction changes is satisfied when the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera changes according to the movement of the portable game device.

  The determination unit 112 follows a virtual camera or a player character, sets a hit volume whose position, direction, and shape change according to the trajectory of the ball, and the ball hits the set hit volume In addition, it may be determined that the ball has been successfully caught. Further, it is assumed that the operation information acquisition unit 102 acquires motion detection information from the motion sensor as operation information, and the virtual camera control unit 108 controls the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera based on the motion detection information. In this case, the determination unit 112 may determine whether a capture condition for capturing a ball by a virtual camera whose line-of-sight direction changes is satisfied based on the motion detection information.

  Note that the method of this embodiment may be realized by a server system. FIG. 21 shows a configuration example when realized by a server system.

  Server system 500 is communicatively connected to terminal apparatuses TM1 to TMn via network 510. For example, the server system 500 is a host, and the terminal devices TM1 to TMn are clients. The server system 500 can be realized by, for example, one or a plurality of servers (authentication server, game server, communication server, billing server, etc.). The network 510 (distribution network, communication line) is a communication path using, for example, the Internet or a wireless LAN. In addition to a LAN using a dedicated line (dedicated cable) or Ethernet (registered trademark) for direct connection, telephone communication is also possible. A communication network such as a network, a cable network, or a wireless LAN can be included. The communication method may be wired / wireless.

  The terminal devices TM1 to TMn are realized by, for example, a portable game device, a stationary home game device, an arcade game device, or the like. The portable game device may be a dedicated game device or a general-purpose device capable of executing a game program such as a mobile phone or a portable information terminal.

  The server system 500 includes a processing unit 600, a storage unit 670, an information storage medium 680, and a communication unit 696. The processing unit 600 includes an operation information acquisition unit 602, a game calculation unit 604, an object space setting unit 606, a virtual camera control unit 608, a moving body calculation unit 610, a determination unit 612, a difficulty level setting unit 614, and an image generation data generation unit. 620, and a sound generation data generation unit 630. The functions, operations, etc. of these units (blocks) are the same as those of the units (blocks) in FIG.

  For example, the operation information acquisition unit 602 of the server system 500 acquires player operation information, and the virtual camera control unit 608 controls the virtual camera based on the acquired operation information. In addition, the moving body calculation unit 610 performs a movement calculation process for a ball that is a play target.

  In the present embodiment, the determination unit 612 satisfies the capturing condition for capturing the ball by the virtual camera whose viewing direction changes when the viewing direction of the virtual camera changes based on the operation information. Is satisfied, it is determined that the ball has been successfully caught. Then, the image generation data generation unit 620 generates image generation data for generating an image that can be seen from the virtual camera in the object space.

  In the present embodiment, the determination unit 612 follows the player character operated by the virtual camera or the player, and sets and sets a hit volume in which at least one of the position, direction, and shape changes according to the trajectory of the ball. When the ball hits the hit volume, it may be determined that the ball has been successfully captured.

  The operation information acquisition unit 602 acquires motion detection information from the motion sensor as operation information, and the virtual camera control unit 608 controls the visual line direction of the virtual camera based on the motion detection information. Then, the determination unit 612 may determine whether a capture condition for capturing a ball by a virtual camera whose line-of-sight direction changes is satisfied based on the motion detection information.

  Note that the image generation data for generating the image is data for displaying the image generated by the method of the present embodiment on each of the terminal devices TM1 to TMn, and may be the image data itself. In addition, various data (object data, control result data, determination result data, display screen setting data, etc.) used by each terminal device to generate an image may be used. For example, the server system 500 acquires operation information from the operation unit of each terminal device, performs various control processes and various determination processes, generates images, and distributes them to the terminal devices TM1 to TMn (stream distribution) Etc.), the image generation data described above is the image data itself. On the other hand, the server system 500 acquires operation information from the operation unit of each terminal device, performs various control processes and various determination processes, and the terminal devices TM1 to TMn are based on the control results and determination results. When an image is generated, the above-described image generation data is control result data, determination result data, object data, or the like. The same applies to the sound generation data generated by the sound generation data generation unit 630.

  The operation information acquisition unit 602, the game calculation unit 604, the object space setting unit 606, the virtual camera control unit 608, the moving body calculation unit 610, the determination unit 612, the difficulty level setting unit 614, the image generation data generation unit 620, and the storage unit. Detailed functions and operations of the information processing medium 670, the information storage medium 680, the communication unit 696, and the like are the same as those described above with reference to FIG.

2. Next, the method of this embodiment will be described in detail. In the following, the case where the method of the present embodiment is applied to a baseball game will be mainly described. However, the game to which the method of the present embodiment is applied is not limited to a baseball game. For example, soccer, American football, volleyball, tennis It can be applied to various ball games such as badminton.

2.1 Determination Method As described above, in the conventional baseball games, when the player is on the defensive side, most games generate images with viewpoints set near the back net or near the home base. For this reason, there has been a problem that it is difficult to give the player an operational feeling such as catching the ball hit by the batter with his eyes and catching it.

  In order to solve such a problem, the present embodiment adopts the method described below. For example, in this embodiment, when the player is on the defensive side (in the defensive mode), the viewpoint of the virtual camera is set not to the vicinity of the back net or the home base but to the position of the fielder performing the defensive. The direction of the line of sight of the virtual camera is set to the direction facing the home base where the batter is located, as in actual baseball. Then, the player operates the fielder performing the defense as a player character.

  Then, suppose that the ball was hit and the outfield fly flew. At this time, if the player does not perform an appropriate operation, the higher fly ball is out of the visual field range of the virtual camera, and the ball disappears from the visual field range.

  In such a situation, in the present embodiment, the player performs an operation of changing the viewing direction of the virtual camera or the like so that the ball falls within the visual field range. That is, an operation is performed such that the ball is captured by the virtual camera, and the ball is chased with the eyes. Then, if the player character moves to the point of falling of the ball and catches the ball (catch) in a state where the ball is in the visual field range (capture determination range) in this way, it is determined that the ball has been successfully captured, It is determined that the outfield fly was caught.

  On the other hand, if the ball hit by the batter is a ball, the player must change the line of sight direction of the virtual camera, etc. and do not capture the ball by pointing the line of sight of the virtual camera downward. Make it impossible to catch. That is, when the ball is caught while satisfying the condition for catching the ball by the virtual camera, it is determined that the ball has been successfully caught.

  In this way, when the player actually catches and catches the ball and moves to the catching point and catches the ball, it is determined that the catch has been successful. Therefore, it is possible to give the player an operational feeling as if he was catching the ball as in actual baseball, and the player's virtual reality can be greatly improved compared to the conventional method.

  Next, the determination method of the present embodiment will be described more specifically. In the following, a method using a motion sensor provided in a portable game device will be described as an example of a method for controlling the viewing direction of the virtual camera.

  2A and 2B show a configuration example of a portable game device to which the method of this embodiment is applied. This portable game device has a main display portion 190M and a sub display portion 190S. The sub display unit 190S is realized by, for example, a touch panel type liquid crystal display, and is provided in the housing 10 of the game apparatus. The main display unit 190M is a display having, for example, a larger number of pixels than the sub display unit 190S, and is realized by, for example, a liquid crystal display. The main display unit 190M is a display that can display, for example, a stereoscopic image with naked eyes, and the game image is displayed in stereoscopic view.

  A case 10 and a case 20 of the portable game device are provided so as to be freely rotatable, and the case 10 is provided with a direction instruction key 12, an analog stick (joystick) 14, and operation buttons 16. As shown in FIG. 2B, first and second cameras CM1 and CM2 are provided on the back side of the housing 20 (the side opposite to the main display portion 190M). By photographing the subject using the first and second cameras CM1 and CM2, it is possible to obtain a left-eye image and a right-eye image with parallax, and stereoscopic display is possible.

  Further, the portable game device has a built-in motion sensor (6-axis sensor) not shown. When the player moves the hand-held game device with his / her hand, using this motion sensor, the acceleration in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions in FIG. Angular velocities around the Y axis and Z axis can be detected. This makes it possible to detect translational movement operations in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions, and roll operations (roll angles) around the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. Note that the X axis (first coordinate axis in a broad sense) is an axis along the horizontal direction (horizontal direction of the screen of the display unit), and the Y axis (second coordinate axis in a broad sense) is the vertical direction (of the display unit). Z-axis (third coordinate axis in a broad sense) is a direction (depth direction) orthogonal to the X-axis and Y-axis.

  In FIG. 3A, the ball BL hit by the batter is rough. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3B, the player performs an operation of rolling the portable game device downward about the X axis. That is, the portable game device is rotated clockwise around the X axis when viewed from the positive side of the X axis. Then, the clockwise rotation of the X axis is detected by a motion sensor (angular velocity sensor). Then, the virtual camera VC is controlled by the motion detection information in the clockwise direction of the X axis so that the line-of-sight direction VL faces downward as shown in FIG. 3A, and the image in the line-of-sight direction VL is controlled. Is generated and displayed on the display unit 190. As a result, the ball BL is captured and seen within the player's field of view, and the capture condition that the virtual camera VC captures the ball BL is satisfied. In this state, for example, when the player character CHP (virtual camera) operated by the player moves to an appropriate catching point and the catching condition is satisfied, it is determined that the Goro ball BL has been successfully caught. The

  On the other hand, in FIG. 4A, the ball BL hit by the batter is fly. In this case, as shown in FIG. 4B, the player performs an operation of rolling the portable game device upward about the X axis. That is, the portable game device is rotated counterclockwise on the X axis when viewed from the positive side of the X axis. Then, the counterclockwise rotation of the X axis is detected by a motion sensor (angular velocity sensor). Then, based on the motion detection information in the counterclockwise direction of the X axis, as shown in FIG. 4A, the virtual camera VC is controlled so that the line-of-sight direction VL faces upward, and in this line-of-sight direction VL. Are generated and displayed on the display unit 190. As a result, the ball BL is captured and seen within the player's field of view, and the capture condition that the virtual camera VC captures the ball BL is satisfied. In this state, for example, when the player character CHP (virtual camera) operated by the player moves to an appropriate catching point and the catching condition is satisfied, it is determined that the catching of the fly ball BL is successful. The

  FIG. 5A to FIG. 6 are examples of game images generated at the time of the goro process described with reference to FIG. 3A and FIG.

  FIG. 5A is a game image of a scene where the batter hits Goro's ball BL. When the ball BL is in this way, the player performs an operation of rolling the portable game device in the downward direction around the X axis as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC is directed downward. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5B, a game image is generated in which the low-orbit Goro ball BL falls within the visual field range of the virtual camera VC. That is, the capture condition for the ball BL on the low trajectory is satisfied, and a game image in which the ball BL is captured by the virtual camera VC is generated.

  In FIG. 5B, in such a state that the capture condition is satisfied, the position of the ball BL matches the position of the player character CHP (virtual camera), and the capture condition is satisfied. It is determined that the ball was successfully caught.

  In FIG. 5A, a so-called first-person viewpoint game image is generated, and a grab of the player character CHP is displayed at the catching timing of FIG. 5B. However, in FIG. 5 (A) and FIG. 5 (B), the entire player character CHP may be displayed. In this case, in order to prevent a situation in which the ball BL is obstructed by the player character CHP and becomes difficult to see, it is desirable to make the player character CHP semi-transparent display or the like.

  FIG. 6 is a game image of a scene in which a player has given a pitching instruction after the successful catching of FIG. 5B, and the caught ball has been sent all at once. For example, when a pitching instruction button (a button assigned to the pitching operation) in the operation button 16 in FIG. 2A is pressed during the pitching determination period set corresponding to the catching timing, the pitching condition is set. Is determined to be satisfied, and a process of sending the caught ball to a first base (first baseman) that is a pitching target is performed. Alternatively, in the pitching determination period, for example, when the player performs a roll operation to rotate the portable game device about the Y axis and the visual line direction of the virtual camera VC is directed to the first side, the captured ball BL is The process of sending a ball to is performed. If both catching and throwing are successful, the result of “out” is displayed as shown in FIG.

  FIGS. 7A and 7B are examples of game images generated during the fly processing described in FIGS. 4A and 4B.

  FIG. 7A is a game image of a scene where the batter hits the fly ball BL. In this way, when the ball BL is a fly, as shown in FIG. 4 (B), the player performs an operation of rolling the portable game device in the upward direction around the X axis. As shown, the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC faces upward. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7B, a game image is generated in which a fly ball BL having a high trajectory falls within the visual field range of the virtual camera VC. That is, the capture condition for the ball BL on the high trajectory is satisfied, and a game image in which the ball BL is captured by the virtual camera VC is generated.

  In FIG. 7B, in such a state that the capture condition is satisfied, the position of the ball BL matches the position of the player character CHP (virtual camera), and the capture condition is satisfied. It is determined that the ball was successfully caught.

  As described above, according to the method of the present embodiment, when the player catches the ball while performing an operation that causes the ball to enter the visual field range, it is determined that the catch has been successful. Therefore, the player can catch the ball with an operation feeling similar to that of baseball in the real world, such as chasing after catching the actual ball with his eyes. Therefore, the virtual reality of the player can be significantly improved as compared with the conventional method. Further, the player performs different operations to catch the ball when the hit ball is a goro as shown in FIG. 3A and when the hit ball is a fly as shown in FIG. 4A. Accordingly, it is possible to give the player a sense of operation as if they are actually catching a goro or fly.

  In particular, if the direction of the line of sight of the virtual camera is controlled by the motion sensor of the portable game device, in the case of Goro, the player sets the direction (screen direction) of the portable game device to the lower side as shown in FIG. In the case of a fly, in the case of a fly, an operation of turning the portable game device upward is performed to catch a ball of a golo or a fly. Therefore, the player can play the game as if a real ball exists on the other side of the screen and catch the ball, so that the virtual reality of the player can be further improved.

2.2 Specific examples of determination methods for capture conditions and catching conditions Next, specific examples of determination methods for capture conditions and catching conditions will be described. In the first determination method, a hit volume controlled by the player operation information and following the virtual camera is set, and when the ball hits the hit volume, it is determined that the capture condition and the catch condition are satisfied.

  For example, in FIG. 8A, the hit volume HV is set so as to follow the virtual camera VC when the line-of-sight direction VL or the viewpoint position of the virtual camera VC changes according to the operation information of the player. In FIG. 8A, the hit volume HV is arranged on the front side of the virtual camera VC (the Z-axis side of the camera coordinate system), for example, on the front side of the player character CHP. Then, a hit check with the ball BL of the hit volume HV is performed. Specifically, a hit check is performed using the first plane on the front side and the second plane on the rear side of the hit volume HV. For example, the trajectory of the ball BL intersects both the first and second planes. If it is, it is determined that the ball BL has been hit and caught.

  The position and direction of the player character CHP may be controlled by the player operation information, and the hit volume HV may be set so as to follow the player character CHP. The shape of the hit volume HV is not limited to the rectangular parallelepiped shape as shown in FIG. 8A, and various shapes such as an ellipsoid (including a sphere) and a column can be employed.

  In FIG. 8B, the ball BL has a low trajectory. In this case, the hit volume HV is set to a shape having a short length and is arranged at an upper position. That is, the hit volume HV is set in the area corresponding to the upper half of the player character CHP, but the hit volume HV is not set in the area corresponding to the lower half.

  In FIG. 8B, since the player is not performing the roll operation of the portable game apparatus as shown in FIG. 3B, the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC is set to the horizontal direction. Accordingly, the hit volume HV is arranged so that its long side direction is the vertical direction without tilting.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 8C, the player performs an operation of rolling the portable game device downward about the X axis with respect to the low-orbit ball BL as shown in FIG. 3B. . Thereby, the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC is directed downward. Then, in conjunction with the change in the direction of the visual line direction VL of the virtual camera VC, as shown in FIG. 8C, the lower end of the hit volume HV is on the front side (front side when viewed from the virtual camera). Approach and tilt it so that its upper end is farther away (back side as viewed from the virtual camera). That is, the hit volume HV is arranged so that the long side direction is inclined from the vertical direction to the back side.

  In this way, since the lower part of the hit volume HV approaches the ground (game field), it becomes easy to hit the ball BL on the hit volume HV even if the ball BL is a goro with a low trajectory. Therefore, the player can catch the Goro ball BL without tunneling.

  For example, when the ball BL is golo and the hit volume HV does not tilt without performing the roll operation of the portable game device as shown in FIG. 8B, the ball BL hits the hit volume HV. Instead, it becomes a tunnel.

  In this regard, as shown in FIG. 8C, if the hit volume HV is tilted in conjunction with the change in the direction of the visual line VL of the virtual camera VC, such a tunnel does not occur and the player can properly play the ball. You can catch the BL. That is, when the player performs an operation of rolling the portable game device in the downward direction with respect to the ball BL of the low trajectory, the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC is directed downward. Thus, the ball BL enters the visual field range of the virtual camera VC, and the ball BL is captured by the virtual camera VC, so that the capture condition is satisfied. If the ball BL hits the hit volume HV in this state, the catching condition is also satisfied. Therefore, when the hit volume HV is set as shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C, and the ball BL hits the set hit volume HV, both the catch condition and catch condition of the ball BL are set. Can be determined to be satisfied.

  In FIG. 9A, the ball BL is a fly with a high trajectory. In this case, the hit volume HV is set to have a longer shape than that of the case where the length is Goro. Then, the hit volume HV is set in the area corresponding to both the upper body and the lower body of the player character CHP.

  In FIG. 9B, the player performs an operation of rolling the portable game device upward about the X axis with respect to the ball BL having a high trajectory as shown in FIG. 4B. Thereby, the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC is directed upward. Then, in conjunction with the change in the direction of the visual line direction VL of the virtual camera VC, the hit volume HV is tilted so that the upper end portion approaches the near side and the lower end portion moves away from the back side. When the ball BL hits the hit volume HV, it is determined that both the capturing condition and the catching condition are satisfied, and it is determined that the catching is successful.

  In this case, by setting the hit volume HV as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the fly ball BL having a high trajectory can easily hit the hit volume HV. For example, when the ball BL is a fly and the length of the hit volume HV is short as shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C, the range in which the fly can be caught becomes narrow, and the difficulty of the game increases. End up. In this regard, as shown in FIGS. 9 (A) and 9 (B), if the hit volume HV is made long in the case of a fly with a high trajectory, the range in which the ball BL can be caught is widened. You can catch the ball easily. In FIGS. 8B to 9B, the shape of the hit volume HV is changed according to the trajectory of the ball BL, etc., but the shape of the hit volume HV is not changed and the hit volume HV is changed. The effective hit range may be changed according to the trajectory of the ball BL. For example, in the case of a low trajectory goro, the hit effective range of the hit volume HV is set to a small range. On the other hand, in the case of a fly with a high trajectory, the hit effective range of the hit volume HV is set to a large range. In this way, it is possible to obtain the same effect as the method of changing the shape according to the trajectory of the ball BL.

  As described above, in the first determination method of the present embodiment, at least one of the shape, effective range, position, and direction of the hit volume HV is changed according to the trajectory of the ball BL. For example, when the ball BL has a low trajectory (first trajectory) like Goro, the hit volume HV is set to a short shape as shown in FIG. 8B and FIG. Set the effective range of hits to a small range without changing. The arrangement position of the hit volume HV is also set on the upper side. On the other hand, when the ball BL has a high trajectory (second trajectory) like a fly, the hit volume HV is set to a long shape as shown in FIG. 9A and FIG. The hit effective range is set to a large range without changing. Further, the arrangement position of the hit volume HV is set to the lower side compared to the case of Goro. Thus, if the shape, hit effective range, position, etc. of the hit volume HV are set according to the trajectory of the ball BL, it is only necessary to determine whether or not the ball BL has hit the hit volume HV. It becomes possible to determine whether or not is satisfied. Therefore, it is possible to determine the capturing condition and the catching condition with a simple determination process. Further, in the first determination method of the present embodiment, when the ball BL moves along the first trajectory as shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C, the line-of-sight direction range of the virtual camera VC is It is determined that the capture condition is satisfied when the range is the low first line-of-sight direction range. On the other hand, when the ball BL moves in the second trajectory higher than the first trajectory as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the visual line direction range of the virtual camera VC is the first visual line. When the second viewing direction range is higher than the direction range, it is determined that the capturing condition is satisfied. Alternatively, when the ball BL moves in the first trajectory which is the left trajectory, it is determined that the capturing condition is satisfied when the line-of-sight range is the range of the line-of-sight direction facing the left direction, and the ball BL is moved to the right When moving in the second trajectory which is a direction trajectory, it may be determined that the capture condition is satisfied when the line-of-sight direction range is the range of the line-of-sight direction facing the right direction. In this way, it is possible to determine the capture condition in the situation where the player character CHP flies in the horizontal direction and catches the ball BL.

  The method for setting the hit volume HV is not limited to the method described with reference to FIGS. 8A to 9B, and various modifications can be made.

  For example, in FIG. 10A, when the player performs an operation as shown in FIG. 3B on the ball BL of the low trajectory and the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC is directed downward, In conjunction with this, the hit volume HV also moves downward. As a result, the player can easily catch the ball BL of the low trajectory.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 10B, when the player performs an operation as shown in FIG. 4B on the fly ball BL having a high trajectory, and the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC is directed upward, In conjunction with this, the hit volume HV also moves upward. As a result, the player can easily catch the fly ball BL of a high orbit. In FIGS. 10A and 10B, not only the position (representative position) of the hit volume HV but also the direction (arrangement direction) may be changed according to the height of the trajectory of the ball BL. .

  In the present embodiment, the hit volume HV may be deformed or the hit effective range may be changed according to the direction instructed by the player when the ball BL is caught.

  For example, FIG. 11A shows a state where the ball BL is caught by fine play such as diving catch. Specifically, at the time of catching the ball BL (catch timing, catching period), the player moves the portable game device to the left along the X-axis direction, for example, as indicated by A1 in FIG. The operation is being performed. Then, for example, this operation is detected by an acceleration sensor of a motion sensor, and motion detection information is acquired. Then, based on this motion detection information, the hit volume HV is deformed as shown in FIG. Specifically, in FIG. 11B, the player indicates the left direction, and in FIG. 11A, a deformation process for extending the hit volume HV in a direction corresponding to the specified direction is performed. For example, when the player's pointing direction is the opposite right direction, a deformation process for extending the hit volume HV in the direction opposite to that shown in FIG. In this way, it is possible to represent catching by, for example, a diving catch in the left-right direction.

  If the player's pointing direction is the upward direction (the direction along the Y axis), a deformation process for extending the hit volume HV in a direction corresponding to the upward direction may be performed. If it does in this way, it will become possible to express catching by an upward diving catch, for example.

  Note that the correspondence between the player's instruction direction and the direction in which the hit volume HV is extended may be determined as appropriate in consideration of the appearance of the game image, game characteristics, and the like. Further, in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the process of deforming the shape of the hit volume HV is performed in accordance with the direction of the player, but the shape of the hit volume HV is not deformed and the hit volume HV You may perform the process which changes the hit effective range of HV.

  In the present embodiment, the hit volume may be set according to the difficulty level of the game. For example, at least one of the shape of the hit volume, the hit effective range, the position, and the direction is changed according to the setting of the difficulty level of the game.

  For example, in FIG. 12A, since the difficulty level of the game is low, the hit volume HV is formed in a large size. Alternatively, the hit effective range is set to a large range. This makes it easier for the ball BL to hit the hit volume HV, so that even a beginner player can easily catch a ball and enjoy a baseball game without stress.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 12B, since the difficulty level of the game is high, the hit volume HV is formed in a small size. Alternatively, the hit effective range is set to a small range. This makes it difficult for the ball BL to hit the hit volume HV, making it difficult to catch the ball and providing a baseball game that can satisfy even an advanced player.

  In FIGS. 12A and 12B, the shape (size) of the hit volume HV is changed according to the game difficulty level, but the hit volume HV is arranged according to the game difficulty level. The position and direction may be changed.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 8 (B), 8 (C), and 10 (A), when the ball is a goro with a low trajectory, the arrangement position of the hit volume HV is changed according to the difficulty level of the game. Also good. Specifically, at the time of setting a low difficulty level for the beginner player, the arrangement position serving as a reference for the hit volume HV is set to a low position so that the lower end portion thereof approaches the ground. On the other hand, at the time of setting a high difficulty level for the advanced player, the arrangement position serving as a reference for the hit volume HV is set to a higher position than in the case of setting the low difficulty level. In this way, it is easy to catch the goro when setting the low difficulty level, and the game play of the beginner player can be facilitated. On the other hand, when the difficulty level is set to be high, it is difficult to catch goro, so that a baseball game that can satisfy even an advanced player can be provided.

  Further, for example, as shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 10B, when the ball BL is a fly with a high trajectory, the arrangement direction of the hit volume HV is set according to the difficulty level of the game. It may be changed. Specifically, the slope of the hit volume HV is increased when setting a low difficulty level for the beginner player, and the slope of the hit volume HV is decreased when setting a high difficulty level for the advanced player. In this way, when the low difficulty level is set, the hit volume HV is more inclined, so that the hit volume faces the ball BL and the fly is easily caught. It can be simplified. On the other hand, when the high difficulty level is set, the inclination of the hit volume HV becomes small, so that it becomes difficult to catch a fly, and a baseball game that can be satisfied even by an advanced player can be provided.

  Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 11A, when the hit volume HV is extended during fine play such as diving catch, the length of the hit volume HV may be controlled according to the difficulty level of the game. For example, when the difficulty level is set low, the length of extension of the hit volume HV is lengthened, and when the difficulty level is set high, the length of extension is shortened. In this way, even a beginner player can easily perform fine play, and an appropriate difficulty level can be set according to the skill of the player.

  In FIGS. 12A and 12B, the shape of the hit volume HV is changed according to the game difficulty level, but the hit volume HV is changed according to game conditions other than the game difficulty level. The shape or the like may be changed. As such a game condition, for example, status information such as a game experience value, the number of possessed items, or a physical strength value of the player character (player) can be assumed. That is, the shape or the like of the hit volume HV is changed based on status information such as the game experience value of the player character. As a result, it is possible to perform a determination process such as a catching condition by reflecting various game conditions on the shape of the hit volume HV.

  Next, the second determination method of this embodiment will be described. In the second determination method, a capture determination range is set corresponding to the visual field range of the virtual camera, and when the ball is in the capture determination range, it is determined that the condition for capturing the ball by the virtual camera is satisfied. To do. When the ball catching condition is satisfied in a state where the catching condition is satisfied, it is determined that the ball catching is successful.

  For example, in FIGS. 13 (A) to 13 (C), the player moves the portable game device as shown in FIG. 4 (B) so that the ball BL falls within the visual field range (capture determination range) of the virtual camera VC. Perform the operation to roll. Accordingly, when the height of the ball BL gradually decreases as shown in FIGS. 13A to 13C, the line of sight of the virtual camera VC is set so that the ball BL falls within the visual field range of the virtual camera VC. The direction VL and the like are controlled. When the ball BL is within the capture determination range set corresponding to the visual field range, it is determined that the capture condition for the ball BL is satisfied. Then, in a state where such a capture condition is satisfied, as shown in FIG. 13C, the ball BL hits a simple hit volume HV set in the virtual camera VC (player character), and catches the ball. If the condition is satisfied, it is determined that the player has successfully caught the ball BL. As described above, in the second determination method of the present embodiment, when the ball BL moves in the low first trajectory, the visual line direction range of the virtual camera VC is the low first visual line direction range. It is determined that the capture condition is satisfied. On the other hand, when the ball moves in a second trajectory higher than the first trajectory, the visual line direction range of the virtual camera VC is a second visual line direction range higher than the first visual line direction range. , It is determined that the capture condition is satisfied.

  According to the second determination method of the present embodiment described above, the capture condition can be determined simply by determining whether or not the ball is in the capture determination range corresponding to the visual field range, and the processing is simplified. Can be achieved. Further, since the capture condition and the catching condition are determined separately, the capture condition determination process and the catching condition determination process can be simplified.

  Various modifications can be made as a method for determining the catching condition and a method for setting the hit volume for determining the catching condition. For example, a hit volume for determining the catching condition may be set for a part such as the left hand of the player character. The visual field range of the virtual camera and the capture determination range corresponding thereto may be set by an angle based on the visual line direction of the virtual camera. In this way, it is possible to realize a determination process such as a capture condition by a simple determination process using an angle. Further, the period for determining whether or not the capture condition is satisfied may be a short period immediately before the catching timing or may be a long period.

  Also, if you set a ball hit volume that follows the ball, instead of a hit volume that follows the virtual camera or character, you can use this ball hit volume to determine whether the ball catching condition is satisfied. Good. A technique using this ball hit volume is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-3055891. In this method, a hit check is performed between the ball hit volume and the position of the player character or virtual camera, and if it is determined that the ball has been hit, it is determined that the ball has been successfully captured. In this case, for example, the shape or effective range of the hit volume for the ball may be controlled according to the height of the trajectory of the ball, the direction of the trajectory, the game conditions, and the like. It is also possible to determine the ball capture condition using the ball hit volume.

  Further, the process for determining the catch of the ball is not limited to the method using the hit volume. For example, a gauge or the like may be displayed on the game image, and the success of the input in the gauge input area may be determined to determine whether or not the ball has been successfully captured. For example, the player may input a catching operation at a determination timing represented by a gauge, and it may be determined that the catch has been successful when the determination timing and the input timing match.

  FIG. 14A shows a setting example of the capture determination range RDT corresponding to the visual field range RFV. In FIG. 14A, the capture determination range RDT is a range included in the visual field range RFV. Note that the visual field range RFV itself of the virtual camera VC may be set as the capture determination range RDT.

  14A and 14B, the capture determination range RDT is variably controlled. Specifically, the capture determination range is changed according to the game difficulty level setting.

  For example, in the case of a low difficulty level setting, the capture determination range RDT is widened as shown in FIG. In this way, the player can easily catch the ball BL within the capture determination range, and the player's capture operation can be facilitated.

  On the other hand, in the case of a high difficulty level setting, the capture determination range RDT is narrowed as shown in FIG. In this way, it becomes difficult to capture the ball BL within the capture determination range, and it is possible to provide a game with high satisfaction even for an advanced player.

  The capture determination range may be changed based on game conditions (such as player character status information) other than the game difficulty level. Further, the field of view range and the capture determination range may be set according to areas as shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B. For example, the field of view can be set by setting an angle with reference to the viewing direction of the virtual camera. A range and a capture determination range may be set.

  Moreover, the period which determines capture conditions can be set arbitrarily. For example, when the fly goes up, the player character runs backward in a state where the ball does not enter the visual field range (capture determination range) in the first period, and in the period immediately before the catch timing, looks back toward the ball and catches the ball You may make it do. In this case, a short period immediately before the catching timing is the capture condition determination period. In this short determination period, for example, if it is determined that the ball is in the visual field range (capture determination range) of the virtual camera. What is necessary is just to determine with the capture conditions being satisfy | filled.

  As a modification of the first and second determination processes described above, when the ball is in the field of view (capture determination range) of the camera, the hit check between the ball and the hit volume is set to the valid state. If the ball hits the hit volume, it may be determined that the catch has been successful. If the ball is not within the visual field range (capture determination range) of the camera, the hit check between the ball and the hit volume is set to an invalid state so that the ball passes through the hit volume. In this way, it is possible to determine that the ball has been successfully captured when both the capture condition and the catch condition are satisfied.

2.3 Virtual Camera Control Next, a specific example of virtual camera control processing based on operation information will be described. In the present embodiment, the first operation information and the second operation information input by the player are acquired, the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera is controlled based on the first operation information, and the virtual operation is performed based on the second operation information. The movement of the viewpoint position of the camera or the movement of the player character is controlled.

  For example, as described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 4B, in this embodiment, motion detection information from the motion sensor is acquired as first operation information, and motion detection information that is first operation information is acquired. Based on this, the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC is controlled. For example, when a first operation is performed to roll the portable game device downward or upward around the X axis as shown in FIGS. 3B and 4B, the first operation is performed. Based on the motion detection information, which is information, the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC is changed as shown in FIGS. 3 (A) and 4 (A).

  In this embodiment, the direction instruction information from the direction instruction unit is acquired as the second operation information, and the movement of the viewpoint position of the virtual camera VC or the player character CHP is based on the direction instruction information that is the second operation information. Control the movement of.

  For example, as shown in B1 to B4 of FIGS. 15A and 15B, a direction instruction operation in the up / down / left / right directions is performed using the direction instruction key 12 or the analog stick 14 (joystick) as a direction instruction section. Suppose. In this case, the viewpoint position (player character position) of the virtual camera VC is moved in a direction corresponding to the instructed direction.

  Specifically, when a direction instruction as shown in B1 to B4 in FIG. 15A or 15B is given, the virtual camera VC is moved in the direction shown in C1 to C4 in FIG. (Player character) is moved. For example, when a direction instruction unit such as the direction instruction key 12 or the analog stick 14 is used to give a direction instruction in the vertical direction as shown in B1 and B2 of FIGS. 15A and 15B, FIG. As indicated by C1 and C2 in (C), the virtual camera VC is moved in the front-rear direction.

  On the other hand, when a left / right direction instruction is given as shown in B3 and B4 in FIGS. 15A and 15B, a virtual camera is shown as shown in C3 and C4 in FIG. The VC is moved in the left-right direction. More specifically, the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC is always directed toward the home base HBS that is the reference position. Specifically, based on the operation information, the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC is changed around the X axis (in the broad sense around the first coordinate axis), and around the Y axis (in the broad sense around the second coordinate axis). The line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC is fixed. Then, when a direction instruction in the left-right direction is given, for example, the virtual camera VC is moved in the left-right direction on the arc line CT centered on the home base HBS.

  In this way, the virtual camera VC is always arranged facing the direction in which the ball flies. Therefore, when catching a ball of golo or fly, the player controls only the vertical change of the visual line direction VL of the virtual camera VC by the roll operation as shown in FIGS. 3B and 4B. do it. Then, the virtual camera VC corresponding to its own viewpoint is moved in the front / rear / left / right direction according to the directions in the up / down / left / right directions by the direction instructing unit, and moved toward the ball catching position to catch the ball. As a result, it is possible to simplify the game operation of the player and provide the player with a game operation interface environment that is easier to use than the method in which the player controls changes in the visual line direction VL of the virtual camera VC. become.

  Next, control of the visual line direction VL of the virtual camera VC based on the operation information will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 16 (A) to 16 (C).

  For example, as indicated by D1 and D2 in FIG. 16A, the player can perform an operation of rotating (rotating) the portable game device about the X axis. In this case, the roll operation around the X axis is detected by the angular velocity sensor of the motion sensor.

  When the portable game device is rolled (rotated) around the X axis in the upward direction as indicated by D1 in FIG. 16A, the camera coordinate system is indicated as indicated by E1 in FIG. The virtual camera VC is rolled in the upward direction around the X axis. Thereby, the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC can be set to a line-of-sight direction suitable for catching a fly with a high trajectory as shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, as shown by D2 in FIG. 16A, when the portable game device is rolled in the downward direction around the X axis, as shown by E2 in FIG. The virtual camera VC is rolled in the lower direction around the X axis. Thereby, it becomes possible to set the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC to a line-of-sight direction suitable for catching a goro with a low trajectory as shown in FIG.

  In addition, as indicated by D3 and D4 in FIG. 16A, the player can also perform an operation of rolling the portable game device around the Y axis. In this case, the roll operation around the Y axis is detected by the angular velocity sensor of the motion sensor.

  When the portable game device is rolled in the left direction around the Y axis as indicated by D3 in FIG. 16A, the Y axis of the camera coordinate system is indicated as indicated by E3 in FIG. The virtual camera VC is rolled in the left direction around.

  On the other hand, as shown by D4 in FIG. 16A, when the portable game device is rolled in the right direction around the Y axis, as shown by E4 in FIG. The virtual camera VC is rolled in the right direction around the axis.

  For example, in FIG. 15C, the virtual camera VC is rolled around the X axis of the camera coordinate system, but is not rolled around the Y axis. On the other hand, if the virtual camera VC is rolled around the Y axis as shown in FIG. 16C, the visual line direction VL of the virtual camera VC is changed by the pitching target, for example, in the pitching process described later. Operation to turn to a certain 1 side becomes possible.

  In the above description, the method of detecting the roll operation of the portable game device by the motion sensor and controlling the visual line direction of the virtual camera has been described, but the present embodiment is not limited to such a method.

  For example, the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera may be controlled based on direction instruction information from the direction instruction unit. For example, using the first direction instruction information from the first direction instruction unit of the operation unit as the first operation information, the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera is controlled, and the second direction from the second direction instruction unit of the operation unit The movement of the viewpoint position of the virtual camera may be controlled using the instruction information as the second operation information.

  Alternatively, the visual line direction of the virtual camera may be controlled by detecting a roll operation (rotation operation) of the portable game device using a captured image of the camera. For example, the scenery around the portable game device is photographed with the cameras CM1 and CM2 as shown in FIG. 2B, and image processing is performed on the captured images of the obtained cameras CM1 and CM2, thereby A roll operation of the portable game device is detected from pixel motion information. In this way, even a portable game device that does not have an angular velocity sensor or an acceleration sensor can detect the roll operation of the portable game device and control the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera.

  The game device to which the method of the present embodiment is applied is not limited to a portable game device, and may be a stationary home game device, for example. In this case, for example, by using a motion sensor or a camera provided in a game controller of a home game device, a roll operation on the game controller is detected in the same manner as in the case of a portable game device, and the virtual camera The line-of-sight direction may be controlled.

2.4 Ball throwing process Next, the details of the ball throwing process of the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, when a ball is successfully caught and a given pitching condition is satisfied, the pitched ball is thrown. For example, when a ball is successfully captured and the player performs a pitching instruction operation using the operation unit, or when the player performs an operation to turn the sight line direction of the virtual camera toward the pitching target, The ball is sent to the pitching target.

  For example, when the player succeeds in catching the ball in FIG. 5 (B) and presses the pitching instruction button in the operation button 16 in FIG. 2 (A), as shown in FIG. An auto mode ball-feeding process in which the process is automatically performed by a computer is realized.

  On the other hand, a manual mode pitching process in which such pitching is performed by a manual operation of the player may be employed. For example, in FIG. 17A, the catching condition and catching condition of the ball BL are satisfied, and the catching of the ball BL is successful. Then, it is assumed that the catching is successful and the player performs an operation of rolling the portable game device to the left around the Y axis as indicated by D3 in FIG. Then, as shown in FIG. 17 (B), the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC is directed toward the first base FBF that is the ball-throw target, and the ball BL throwing process is performed.

  In this way, it is possible to give the player a feeling of operation similar to an actual baseball pitching play, such as sending the ball BL toward the first base after catching the ball. As a result, the virtual reality of the player can be further improved.

  Note that the above-described auto-mode pitching process and manual-mode pitching process may be switched by setting the game difficulty level. For example, in the low difficulty level setting for the beginner player, the auto mode pitching process is performed, and in the high difficulty level setting for the advanced player, the manual mode pitching process is performed.

  Although the case where the method of the present embodiment is applied to a baseball game has been described above, the method of the present embodiment can be applied to various ball games other than the baseball game.

  For example, FIGS. 18A to 18C are examples in which the method of this embodiment is applied to a soccer game. In FIG. 18A, the opponent character CHE controlled by a computer or the like passes the ball BL against the player character CHP operated by the player. In FIG. 18B, the player character CHP has succeeded in catching (keeping) the passed ball BL. In FIG. 18C, processing such as passing the caught ball BL to another character or kicking the goal is performed as the ball BL throwing processing. Even in such a soccer game, by adopting the method of the present embodiment, the virtual reality of the player can be greatly improved compared to the conventional soccer game. Note that a heading shoot in soccer centering may be realized by the method of this embodiment. In this case, the centered ball hits the player's head corresponds to catching, and the ball hitting the head bounces back and jumps corresponds to throwing.

  Furthermore, the method of this embodiment can be applied to various games such as American football, volleyball, basketball, tennis, table tennis, and badminton in addition to baseball and soccer games. For example, in the case of American football, catching a ball thrown by a quarterback by a running bag jumping or the like corresponds to catching. In the case of volleyball, the receive is equivalent to catching the ball, and the toss and attack are equivalent to throwing the ball. In the case of tennis or table tennis, the ball hitting the racket corresponds to catching the ball, and the ball hitting the racket flies in the hit direction corresponds to pitching. In the case of badminton, the shuttle corresponds to a ball.

  Further, the method of the present embodiment can be applied not only to a game of a baseball game performed in real time but also to a practice mode such as baseball defensive practice. For example, in the infield defense practice mode, the processing for the low trajectory described in FIG. 3 (A), FIG. 3 (B), FIG. 8 (B), and FIG. 8 (C) is performed. 4 (A), FIG. 4 (B), FIG. 9 (A), and FIG. 9 (B) are processed for the high trajectory.

  Further, when switching the defensive mode in real time, when it is determined that the ball hits the bat and the ball is in a low trajectory such as a ball, FIG. 3 (A), FIG. 3 (B) or FIG. 8 (B). When the processing for the low trajectory described with reference to FIG. 8C is performed and it is determined that the trajectory is a high trajectory such as a fly, FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, FIG. The process for the high trajectory described in FIG. 9B is performed. Alternatively, when the ball passes over the head of the outfielder and hits a fence or the like, the processing is switched in real time from processing for a high trajectory to processing for a low trajectory.

2.5 Detailed Processing Example Next, a detailed processing example of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 19 and 20.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining the details of the processing of this embodiment when the first determination method described above is used.

  First, a ball movement calculation process is performed to obtain a ball movement trajectory (step S1). This movement calculation processing is realized based on the hit direction and hit strength of the ball by a hit body such as a bat. Then, as described in FIGS. 3A to 4B and FIGS. 16A to 16C, the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera is set based on the operation information (step S2).

  Next, the trajectory of the ball (defense mode) is determined (step S3). If the trajectory is low (infielder mode), a hit volume for low trajectory (infielder mode) is set as described with reference to FIGS. 8B and 8C (step S4). On the other hand, if the trajectory is high (outfielder mode), a hit volume for high trajectory (for outfielder mode) is set as described with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B (step S5). .

  Next, it is determined whether or not the ball has hit the hit volume (step S6). And when it is not hit, it determines with catching conditions and catching conditions not being satisfied, but catching was unsuccessful (Step S7). On the other hand, when the ball is hit, it is determined that the catching condition and the catching condition are satisfied, and the catching is successful (step S8).

  Next, it is determined whether or not a pitching operation that satisfies the pitching conditions has been performed (step S9). If the pitching operation satisfying the pitching condition is not performed, it is determined that the pitching was unsuccessful (step S10). For example, if a predetermined operation corresponding to the pitching is not performed within the pitching determination period, it is determined that the pitching was unsuccessful. On the other hand, if a predetermined operation corresponding to the pitching is performed within the pitching determination period, it is determined that the pitching was successful, and the ball pitching process is performed (step S11).

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining the details of the processing of the present embodiment when the second determination method described above is used.

  First, a ball movement calculation process is performed to obtain a ball movement trajectory (step S21). Further, the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera is set based on the operation information (step S22).

  Next, as described with reference to FIGS. 13A to 14B, it is determined whether or not the ball is in the capture determination range set in the visual field range of the virtual camera (step S23). If no ball is contained, it is determined that the capturing condition is not satisfied and the capturing has failed (step S24).

  On the other hand, if the ball is in the capture determination range, it is determined whether or not the ball hits the hit volume (step S25). And when it is not hit, it determines with catching conditions not being satisfied but catching unsuccessfully (step S26). On the other hand, if the ball hits, it is determined that the catch was successful (step S27).

  Next, it is determined whether or not a pitching operation that satisfies the pitching conditions has been performed (step S28). If the pitching operation that satisfies the pitching condition is not performed, it is determined that the pitching was unsuccessful (step S29). On the other hand, for example, when a predetermined operation corresponding to the pitching is performed within the pitching determination period, it is determined that the pitching was successful and the ball pitching process is performed (step S30).

  Although the present embodiment has been described in detail as described above, it will be easily understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications can be made without departing from the novel matters and effects of the present invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included in the scope of the present invention. For example, a term (ball, catching, etc.) described together with a different term (moving body, catch, etc.) in a broader sense or the same meaning at least once in the specification or drawing is used in any part of the specification or drawing. Can be replaced with a different term. Also, the virtual camera control process, the capture condition / ball catching condition determination process, the movement calculation process, the view volume setting process, etc. are not limited to those described in the present embodiment. It is included in the scope of the invention. The present invention can be applied to various games. Further, the present invention can be applied to various game apparatuses such as a business game system, a home game system, a large attraction system in which a large number of players participate, a simulator, a multimedia terminal, a system board for generating a game image, and a mobile phone. . For example, the game device may be a mobile phone or a portable information terminal in which a game program is installed and executed.

VC virtual camera, VL line-of-sight direction, CHP player character, BL ball,
HV hit volume, RFV field of view range, RDT capture judgment range,
10, 20 housing, 12 direction instruction keys, 14 analog sticks,
16 operation buttons, 100 processing unit, 102 operation information acquisition unit, 104 game calculation unit,
106 object space setting unit, 108 virtual camera control unit, 110 moving object calculation unit,
112 determination unit, 120 image generation unit, 130 sound generation unit, 160 operation unit,
170 storage unit, 172 object data storage unit, 178 drawing buffer,
180 information storage medium, 190 display unit, 192 sound output unit,
194 Auxiliary storage device, 196 communication unit,
500 server system, 510 network, TM1-TMn terminal device,
600 processing unit, 602 operation information acquisition unit, 604 game calculation unit,
606 Object space setting unit, 608 Virtual camera control unit,
610 moving object calculation unit, 612 determination unit, 614 difficulty level setting unit,
620 Image generation data generation unit, 630 Sound generation data generation unit

Claims (25)

An operation information acquisition unit for acquiring operation information of the player;
Based on the acquired operation information, a virtual camera control unit that controls the virtual camera;
A moving object calculation unit that performs a movement calculation process of a ball to be played;
When the viewing direction of the virtual camera changes based on the operation information, the capturing condition for capturing the ball by the virtual camera in which the viewing direction changes is satisfied, and the capturing condition for the ball is satisfied And a determination unit for determining that the ball has been successfully caught,
As an image generator that generates an image visible from the virtual camera in the object space,
A program characterized by causing a computer to function. In claim 1,
The determination unit
When a hit volume that follows the player character operated by the virtual camera or the player is set, and it is determined that the ball hits the set hit volume, the capture condition and the catch condition of the ball A program characterized by determining that is satisfied. In claim 2,
The determination unit
A program that variably controls at least one of the shape, effective range, position, and direction of the hit volume. In claim 3,
The determination unit
A program for changing at least one of the shape, effective range, position and direction of the hit volume in accordance with the trajectory of the ball. In claim 3 or 4,
The determination unit
A program for performing a process of deforming the hit volume or a process of changing the hit effective range according to a direction instructed by the player. In any of claims 3 to 5,
The determination unit
A program that changes at least one of the shape, effective range, position, and direction of the hit volume in accordance with the setting of game conditions. In claim 1,
The determination unit
When the ball is in a capture determination range set corresponding to the visual field range of the virtual camera, the virtual camera determines that the capture condition for capturing the ball is satisfied, and the capture A program for determining that the ball has been successfully caught when the ball catching condition for the ball is satisfied in a state where the condition is satisfied. In claim 7,
The determination unit
A program for variably controlling the capture determination range. In claim 8,
The determination unit
A program for changing the capture determination range in accordance with the setting of game conditions. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 9,
The determination unit
A program that sets a hit volume for a ball that follows the ball and determines whether the catching condition of the ball is satisfied using the hit volume for the ball. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 10.
The determination unit
When the ball moves in the first trajectory, it is determined that the capturing condition is satisfied when the line-of-sight range of the virtual camera is the first line-of-sight range, and the ball is When moving in a second trajectory different from the first trajectory, the capture condition is determined when the visual direction range of the virtual camera is a second visual direction range different from the first visual direction range. A program characterized by determining that is satisfied. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 11,
The operation information acquisition unit
As the operation information, first operation information and second operation information input by the player are acquired,
The virtual camera control unit
The visual direction of the virtual camera is controlled based on the first operation information, and the movement of the viewpoint position of the virtual camera or the movement of the player character is controlled based on the second operation information. Program to do. In claim 12,
The operation information acquisition unit
Motion detection information from a motion sensor is acquired as the first operation information, direction instruction information from a direction instruction unit is acquired as the second operation information, and
The virtual camera control unit
The visual direction of the virtual camera is controlled based on the motion detection information that is the first operation information, and the viewpoint position of the virtual camera is moved based on the direction instruction information that is the second operation information. Alternatively, a program for controlling movement of the player character. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 13.
The virtual camera control unit
Based on the operation information, control is performed to change the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera around the first coordinate axis, and the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera is fixed around the second coordinate axis orthogonal to the first coordinate axis. A program characterized by In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 14.
The operation information acquisition unit
Obtain motion detection information from the motion sensor as the operation information,
The virtual camera control unit
Based on the motion detection information, control the viewing direction of the virtual camera,
The determination unit
A program for determining whether or not the capturing condition for capturing the ball by the virtual camera in which the viewing direction changes is satisfied when the viewing direction of the virtual camera changes based on the motion detection information. In claim 15,
The motion sensor is a sensor provided in a portable game device,
The operation information acquisition unit
Obtaining the motion detection information obtained by moving the portable game device by the player from the motion sensor;
The virtual camera control unit
Controlling the virtual camera so that the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera changes according to the movement of the portable game device;
The determination unit
When the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera changes according to the movement of the portable game device, the virtual camera whose line-of-sight direction changes determines whether the capture condition for capturing the ball is satisfied. Program. An operation information acquisition unit for acquiring operation information of the player;
Based on the acquired operation information, a virtual camera control unit that controls the virtual camera;
A moving object calculation unit that performs a movement calculation process of a ball to be played;
A determination unit for determining whether the ball has been successfully captured;
As an image generator that generates an image visible from the virtual camera in the object space,
Make the computer work,
The determination unit
A hit volume that follows the virtual camera or the player character operated by the player and changes at least one of position, direction, and shape in accordance with the trajectory of the ball is set, and the ball is placed in the set hit volume. A program characterized by determining that the ball has been successfully caught when hit. An operation information acquisition unit for acquiring operation information of the player;
Based on the acquired operation information, a virtual camera control unit that controls the virtual camera;
A moving object calculation unit that performs a movement calculation process of a ball to be played;
A determination unit for determining whether the capture condition of the ball is satisfied;
As an image generator that generates an image visible from the virtual camera in the object space,
Make the computer work,
The operation information acquisition unit
Obtain motion detection information from the motion sensor as the operation information,
The virtual camera control unit
Based on the motion detection information, control the viewing direction of the virtual camera,
The determination unit
A program for determining whether or not the capturing condition for capturing the ball by the virtual camera whose line-of-sight direction changes is satisfied based on the motion detection information.   A computer-readable information storage medium, wherein the program according to any one of claims 1 to 18 is stored. An operation information acquisition unit for acquiring operation information of the player;
Based on the acquired operation information, a virtual camera control unit that controls the virtual camera;
A moving object calculation unit that performs a movement calculation process of a ball to be played;
When the viewing direction of the virtual camera changes based on the operation information, the capturing condition for capturing the ball by the virtual camera in which the viewing direction changes is satisfied, and the capturing condition for the ball is satisfied And a determination unit for determining that the ball has been successfully caught,
An image generator that generates an image visible from the virtual camera in the object space;
A game apparatus comprising: An operation information acquisition unit for acquiring operation information of the player;
Based on the acquired operation information, a virtual camera control unit that controls the virtual camera;
A moving object calculation unit that performs a movement calculation process of a ball to be played;
A determination unit for determining whether the ball has been successfully captured;
An image generator that generates an image visible from the virtual camera in the object space;
Including
The determination unit
A hit volume that follows the virtual camera or the player character operated by the player and changes at least one of position, direction, and shape in accordance with the trajectory of the ball is set, and the ball is placed in the set hit volume. A game device characterized by determining that the ball has been successfully caught when a hit is made. An operation information acquisition unit for acquiring operation information of the player;
Based on the acquired operation information, a virtual camera control unit that controls the virtual camera;
A moving object calculation unit that performs a movement calculation process of a ball to be played;
A determination unit for determining whether the capture condition of the ball is satisfied;
An image generator that generates an image visible from the virtual camera in the object space;
Including
The operation information acquisition unit
Obtain motion detection information from the motion sensor as the operation information,
The virtual camera control unit
Based on the motion detection information, control the viewing direction of the virtual camera,
The determination unit
A game apparatus, wherein the virtual camera whose line-of-sight direction changes based on the motion detection information determines whether the capture condition for capturing the ball is satisfied. An operation information acquisition unit for acquiring operation information of the player;
Based on the acquired operation information, a virtual camera control unit that controls the virtual camera;
A moving object calculation unit that performs a movement calculation process of a ball to be played;
When the viewing direction of the virtual camera changes based on the operation information, the capturing condition for capturing the ball by the virtual camera in which the viewing direction changes is satisfied, and the capturing condition for the ball is satisfied And a determination unit for determining that the ball has been successfully caught,
An image generation data generation unit for generating image generation data for generating an image visible from the virtual camera in the object space;
A server system comprising: An operation information acquisition unit for acquiring operation information of the player;
Based on the acquired operation information, a virtual camera control unit that controls the virtual camera;
A moving object calculation unit that performs a movement calculation process of a ball to be played;
A determination unit for determining whether the ball has been successfully captured;
An image generation data generation unit for generating image generation data for generating an image visible from the virtual camera in the object space;
Including
The determination unit
A hit volume that follows the virtual camera or the player character operated by the player and changes at least one of position, direction, and shape in accordance with the trajectory of the ball is set, and the ball is placed in the set hit volume. A server system, wherein when it hits, it is determined that the ball has been successfully caught. An operation information acquisition unit for acquiring operation information of the player;
Based on the acquired operation information, a virtual camera control unit that controls the virtual camera;
A moving object calculation unit that performs a movement calculation process of a ball to be played;
A determination unit for determining whether the capture condition of the ball is satisfied;
An image generation data generation unit for generating image generation data for generating an image visible from the virtual camera in the object space;
Including
The operation information acquisition unit
Obtain motion detection information from the motion sensor as the operation information,
The virtual camera control unit
Based on the motion detection information, control the viewing direction of the virtual camera,
The determination unit
A server system that determines whether or not the capture condition for capturing the ball by the virtual camera whose line-of-sight direction changes is satisfied based on the motion detection information.

Images